Collaboration

This morning I awoke to our first real snowfall of the season—about 7 inches. I typically enjoy watching the snow flutter down, but as it fell yesterday afternoon into the night I began to dread shoveling my long driveway. As I was brewing my coffee this morning, I heard a motor outside my window and spotted my next-door neighbor walking up and down my driveway behind his snow blower. I immediately went outside to thank him. I plan to bake him cookies today and offer him gas for his snow blower to show my gratitude. And, in the future, if he needs me to walk his dog or check his mail when he’s away, I’m more than willing.

My neighbor’s kindness reminded me of this issue of the magazine. The concept of “having someone else’s back” came up again and again as I edited the contributed articles. For example, our editorial advisory board member Thomas W. Hutchinson, AIA, FRCI, RRC, CSI, RRP, principal of Hutchinson Design Group Ltd., Barrington, Ill., writes in his regular series, “From the Hutchinson Files”, about how communication and collaboration between roof system designers, installers and manufacturers will lead to roofs that withstand high-wind events. He shares two examples of roof system failures that he notes would not have occurred if all parties had collaborated—and taken care in their work.

You can read an example of extreme collaboration in this issue’s “Tech Point”. Contributor KJ Fields describes the reroofing of the 10.3-acre James W. Jardine Water Filtration Plant in Chicago. Not only did Chicago-based Trinity Roofing Service’s crews have to contend with a phased schedule to ensure the plant continued to supply fresh water to its 5 million customers, but they also dealt with roof-load restrictions, unique stainless- steel expansion joints, the Department of Homeland Security and Chicago’s wild weather. Constant communication between Trinity Roofing Service and the membrane manufacturer, Flex, ensured a successful project.

If you’re looking for tips to ensure quality on your next roofing project, Richard Biosca, vice president of operations and general counsel for McHenry, Ill.-based Metalmaster Roofmaster, shares insight into his contracting company’s processes in “On My Mind”. The firm ensures quality as early as the pre-award, bidding and estimating phase of the project. Metalmaster Roofmaster’s estimators, submittal department, project managers, crews and service department are encouraged to discuss and address issues and concerns. Biosca points out in his column, investing time and resources to collaborate all the way through a project has led to many returns for his company, including repeat customers, profitability and awards. Who doesn’t want that this year?

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March/April 2019

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Roofing is a national publication that unravels, investigates and analyzes how to properly design, install and maintain a roof system. Through the voices of professionals in the field, Roofing’s editorial provides a unique perspective.